“For the fourth consecutive year, our budget is balanced, responsible and on time - not something many other states can say,” Patrick said.

Republican challenger Charlie Bakerhas said that Patrick's budget would inevitably lead to another hike in the state sales tax next year. Patrick has said that his budget includes no new taxes or fees, but said he is "not taking any pledges” about tax hikes in the future..

Baker was in Mansfield Tuesday marking the one-year anniversary of the hike in the state sales tax from 5 to 6.5 percent. He has proposed changes to state government - including altering the state pension system and consolidating state agencies - that he claims would save the state $1 billion.

Patrick has described Baker's proposed tax cuts "reckless" and has called for Baker to outline his plan in more detail.

WBUR, Boston's public radio station, has outlined the reaction from the other two candidates in the governor's race, Independent Tim Cahill and Green-Rainbow canididate Jill Stein. Political reporter Fred Thys writes:

Green-Rainbow party candidate Jill Stein says she takes issue with the budget’s corporate tax cuts at at time when critical services are being slashed and citizens’ taxes are going up.

Cahill released a statement on his campaign website calling for more fiscal responsibility in the budget.

"The Administration's inability to live within its means, rising health insurance costs and our dependency on borrowing continues to put our state at great financial risk," Cahill said. "Even more disturbing was the irresponsible practices of using potential revenue sources with no guarantee for payment and draining stimulus funding intended to last three years.”

Stein released a statement on her website decrying Patrick's budget and accusing the governor of corporate favoritism.

“Incredibly, big tax giveaways to the well-connected continue to enjoy protection," Stein said. "Favored corporations like Raytheon and Fidelity have actually been CUTTING jobs, but continue to receive job creation tax cuts that cost the taxpayers $300 million a year."